inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the opening of new flight routes connecting Bangkok-Surabaya, Medan, and Phuket which are believed to be able to boost the economy and tourism of both countries.

The statement was delivered by President Prabowo in a joint press statement with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after a bilateral meeting at Government House, Bangkok, Thailand, Monday (5/19/2025).

"We also welcome cooperation in the aviation sector and joint technology development in this field," Prabowo said via an online broadcast by the Thai Prime Minister's Office, which was quoted by Antaranews, Monday (5/19/2025).

Meanwhile, PM Paetongtarn explained that the new route will connect Bangkok and Phuket with East Java and North Sumatra.

"The new route will boost two-way tourism while strengthening regular and regional connectivity," said PM Paetongtarn.

She added that the Thai government has tasked related agencies to explore the potential for broader cooperation in the tourism sector.

In bilateral meetings with their respective delegations, President Prabowo expressed Indonesia's commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Thailand by organizing a trade forum involving investment institutions of both countries.

(ad/inp/pr/rs)